The Federal Executive Council has issued a clear directive strictly prohibiting the sale or transfer of properties owned by the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria within and around airport environments to private individuals.
The council emphasized that such facilities must remain exclusively for aviation purposes.
This decision was made public on Thursday by the Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Festus Keyamo, during a briefing with State House correspondents after the FEC meeting held at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
Keyamo explained that this new directive supersedes any previous interpretations or asset-disposal arrangements by past administrations, noting that FAAN’s properties are vital national assets that must remain under government ownership.
He specifically highlighted that key operational staff, such as firefighters and air traffic or navigational officers, are required to live within airport premises to guarantee rapid response during emergencies, making it necessary to preserve these properties for official use.
The Minister issued a stern warning: “We will not concede any of these properties to private individuals. Anyone who believes they have purchased such assets should take note,” he stated.
The Minister further revealed that the Council granted eight approvals for the aviation ministry, covering critical areas such as airport safety, technology upgrades, concessions, and security improvements.
Among the approvals were contracts for maintenance and support services for Aeronautical Information Management solutions across the five international airports in Abuja, Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Enugu.
Additionally, the Council endorsed the deployment of advanced Terrestrial Trunked Radio power systems nationwide, along with 14 Very High Frequency remote communication systems for the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency to strengthen air navigation safety.
To comply with International Civil Aviation Organisation standards, FEC also approved the purchase of 15 airport rescue and firefighting vehicles for the five major international airports.
Keyamo also announced that NAMA, which has been operating from rented offices in Abuja, will now have a dedicated headquarters building in the Federal Capital Territory.
He explained that hosting sensitive command-and-control infrastructure in privately owned facilities poses security risks, hence the necessity for a purpose-built complex.
The Council also endorsed the business case for the concession of Port Harcourt International Airport.
According to the minister, investor confidence in the aviation sector has grown significantly under the current administration.
He provided evidence of this confidence: “Before we assumed office, no investor showed interest. Now, over six bidders are competing to run Port Harcourt,” he said, while assuring aviation workers that no job losses would result from the concession process.
Furthermore, FEC approved the introduction of a contactless biometric passenger verification system linked to the National Identification Number across all airports to combat identity fraud and strengthen passenger security.
Keyamo justified the new measure: “Too many people board aircraft using fake identities. This system will confirm passengers are who they claim to be,” he stated.
Additionally, the Council ratified contracts under the 2024 budget for the installation of airfield lighting at selected airports, which will enable operations to extend into the late evening and improve airline revenue.
Keyamo noted the current limitations: “Some airports shut by 6 p.m. because they lack lighting. This upgrade will allow operations till 10–11 p.m.,” he noted. Finally, Keyamo appealed to aviation unions to cooperate with the ongoing reform initiatives, reiterating that while he supports labour rights, policy direction remains a government prerogative.
He emphasized: “While I remain pro-labour, unions will not dictate government policy.”
